Barefoot luxury, sandy streets, a rare sliver of sun-drenched nirvana. The allure of Caye Caulker is born through its simplicity. Adopt the island’s motto of ‘go slow’ and find yourself embraced by a natural beauty and authentic culture so potent and striking that you’ll leave a piece of your heart behind.
INTRODUCTION
Very few places have managed to remain immune to the siren call of overdevelopment, dredged beaches, and the consumption of natural beauty for profit. So much so that it has become a rarity to find a destination that prioritises conservation, culture, and care for its future generations above all else.
This untapped nirvana for which many desperately yearn is materialised in the small Caribbean island off the coast of Belize, Caye Caulker.
Whilst the island may only be eight kilometres (km) long and 1.6 km wide, this symphonic paradise is bursting with authentic, blissful natural beauty. ‘Go slow’ is more than just a mantra here; it epitomises the way of life, coaxing visitors to focus on the moment and let go of the modern urge to whisk yourself from one chore to the next.
Caye Caulker was originally established as a place for local fishermen to find anchorage and refuge during storms; however, the island quickly became a home for many and popular for its boat building and fishing lifestyle. A hidden oasis for centuries, it was in the 1970s that more tourists began to discover the allure of the island, turning it into a quietly enchanting travel destination.
Today, this limestone coral island is little changed from its fishing village origins and remains an Elysian paradise surrounded by shimmering white sands, teal blue waters, dense mangroves, rainbows of coral, scuttling marine life, dazzling sunsets, and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever have the pleasure of meeting.
Despite the purposefully slow undercurrent of life, there is a plethora of activities and adventures to embark upon in Caye Caulker. Most famous are the plentiful water-based recreations, such as swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, fishing, sailing, and boating. The moment you plunge beneath the waves, you won’t help but fall in love and hope to grow gills and fins to explore even further.
Back on land, hands down the most popular hangout spot is The Split. Oozing local charm, pulsing Caribbean music, and some of the best rum punch cocktails to sip whilst relaxing on a shaded hammock or palapa, The Split is a channel that divides the island into two parts and provides one of the best spots for swimming and soaking up the sun. With bars you can swim up to, swings that skim the water, and a jumping platform to dive into the ever-warm currents, it is the perfect place to spend your holiday.
No matter if you intend to spend your time beneath the waves mingling with the anemones, sea turtles, and even crocodiles, or if you plan to throw on your sunglasses and feast on lobster as sand gathers between your toes, you’ll find Caye Caulker is more than just another sun-soaked island, but an exceptionally special destination that will capture your heart the moment you arrive.
Q&A WITH CAYE CAULKER VILLAGE COUNCIL
With the overall vision of strengthening its community, the Caye Caulker Village Council (CCVC) has existed in some form for decades, with the legal framework for the authority having been officially formalised in 1999.
Charged with good government and the improvement of the village, the council’s goal is to plant seeds for trees in whose shade they may never sit below. Fully embodying the island’s motto of ‘go slow’, the council prides itself on balancing the growth of the island and its people with the need to maintain its appeal – the vast natural landscape and surrounding waters that allot it such a desirable reputation.
Councillors Elizabeth Usher and Tracie Young tell us more about the magic of the island and all the council is working to do to promote it as a must-visit destination.
Please tell me about CCVC and its role in the community.
Elizabeth Usher, Councillor (EU): Our council is made up of seven members, and everyone was born and raised in Caye Caulker. Our families originated here, and we take a lot of pride in what we do. Our vision for Caye Caulker is for it to develop whilst maintaining its charm of that laid back, ‘go slow’ mentality and preserve our heritage.
We try to promote eco-friendly and sustainable practices alongside anything that will develop the island, but also balance the environment, culture, and our history as a fishing village.
We don’t want to be the island where, in 10 years, there’s no mangroves or space for a natural park – we try our best to keep it as pristine and balanced as possible. We do get pushback because everybody wants to see development, but we try our best to work with the community and help them understand the importance of keeping our island as it is and practising sustainability.
Tracie Young, Councillor (TY): The community looks up to the council for solutions to problems and inconveniences. Whilst everything it may not be in our mandate, we do our best to help the community however we can. Our vision is to unite the community and get them more involved in uniting Caye Caulker.
Especially when it comes to tourism, we must work together so that when we invite people, everybody experiences the charm of the island, the beauty of our resources, and can appreciate it as much as we do.
We are encouraging the community to support the local government, as we tend to forget that the biggest resource we have is people. Having experience from the older generation and the modernity of the new generation working together harmoniously will allow us to unite and promote Caye Caulker.
Our team is an eclectic group. I come from a tourism background, and my grandfather was a fisherman, so I try to hold on to that heritage. Elizabeth’s father was also a fisherman, and she and her husband own a fishing company and host tours.
Ilya R Rosado is a dive master who promotes environmental aspects of restoring and preserving what we have, such as the underwater cave sites. We also have Luis Gongora, who has his own business and works with the youth through sports, like football and soccer.
Alida Blease was a teacher, and her family works in tourism through their sailing companies. Sergio Marin works with the airlines and gets a perspective on the people coming into the island. Chairlady Villanueva’s father is also a fisherman, and she has dedicated herself to her pharmacist career whilst also leading the island as Chairlady for three consecutive terms. As a group, we try to get around the island as best we can.
Trying to keep all the charm of the island is one of the biggest aspects whilst staying in tune with the history of being a fishing village.
Elizabeth is a school counsellor who works with schools and encourages students through internships, experiences, and vocational work. By the time they graduate, many already have experience in certain tourism department sectors, which encourages them to experience what the community offers.
How has the Caye Caulker Village Council developed tourism on the island, and what is the strategy for promoting it as a go-to destination?
EU: One of the biggest improvements we did this year was get Caye Caulker online as much as we can.
We started with the Caye Caulker Village Council website and have since also promoted through the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) and the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA).
Wherever we can promote a little bit of Caye Caulker online, we do so. Primarily, one of the biggest aspects of our tourism industry is that we sell a ‘go slow’ tourism ideology, where we have niche products, plentiful activities, and our environment to promote it.
For example, reefs, ecosystems, species, and our culture are important for our island because we have a lot of people, cultures, and food, which we try to promote as much as possible. We try to partner with local businesses to promote local industries in different sectors whether it’s through social media or simply word of mouth recommendations.
TY: We are working together with BTB, the BTIA Caye Caulker chapter, and the Belize chapter to promote the island. I think there isn’t enough sensitisation on the island as to what the benefits include, so people don’t yet take advantage of signing up for these, which we’d like to change.
What differentiates Caye Caulker from the other islands in the Caribbean?
EU: When we speak to tourists, they always say that the ‘go slow’ motto is prevalent. They don’t feel rushed, and it’s a very unique destination because we still have sandy streets with so little traffic that you can stroll through the middle of the street. On other islands, you can’t do that because there are cars and golf carts, and it’s very congested.
We still maintain a lot of the charm from being a fishing village, and we’re trying to preserve that – to balance new tourism whilst keeping our heritage alive. This is why it’s so important that the boards placed to work on these decisions alongside the Caye Caulker Village Council understand our goal as a tourism destination.
TY: We also try to conserve the natural environment through the reef, and we’re focused on the unique experience you get when you’re here. We’re also developing, which can be seen through modernising hotels, whilst trying to keep the island’s natural charm.
“When we speak to tourists, they always say that the ‘go slow’ motto is prevalent. They don’t feel rushed, and it’s a very unique destination because we still have sandy streets with so little traffic that you can stroll through the middle of the street”
Elizabeth Usher, Councillor, Caye Caulker City Council
Are there currently any interesting projects in the pipeline that you are working on?
EU: We are hoping to create more beaches because climate change and erosion have greatly impacted the island. In order for us to do so, we need to look at the environmental factors to create a sustainable beach boom without harming the ecosystem.
We are also focusing on placing Caye Caulker on many websites and online platforms so people from around the world can view it and learn about what Caye Caulker has to offer. We always look at the island’s signage, which was updated years ago, and want to re-update it once again.
Recently, we built a tarpon viewpoint in collaboration with BTB, where there’s the opening of a cave system, and visitors can view tarpons, a great endangered species of fish. We’ve created a pathway through the mangroves to the end of the dock, where you feed them and take pictures. This has been one of the great attractions spots for visitors that come to Caye Caulker.
TY: We also do a lot of different activities and sports like fishing, diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, sailing, and kayaking. There are kayak rentals, tours, speed boats, and sail boats across the island as well.
Why, in your opinion, should someone visit Caye Caulker?
TY: Being born and raised on the island, there are a lot of things that you walk by from your house to the store. There are five different types of birds you would see just walking from a short distance, for example.
Even the community of Caye Caulker doesn’t always take the time to sit back and take advantage of the endemic beauty we have, and it’s very enlightening when guests arrive and have never seen green trees or crystal-clear water. It gives you a different perspective.
Caye Caulker is glad to be able to share its warm, beautiful experiences with the world, along with incredible sunsets. I believe there’s something for everybody on the island.
“Caye Caulker is glad to be able to share its warm, beautiful experiences with the world, along with incredible sunsets. I believe there’s something for everybody on the island”
Tracie Young, Councillor, Caye Caulker Village Council
What cultural experiences and natural wonders should visitors experience?
EU: At Caye Caulker, one of the biggest things people visit is the reef.
We have access to some of the best diving spots and are very close to the Great Blue Hole dive site. We also have different snorkelling spots unique to the coastline and world-class deep-sea fishing and fly fishing tours – people come for all these activities.
We cater to lots of different travellers, such as families, corporate trips, couples, solo travellers, and more. It’s not just for solo travellers; it’s for everyone.
Most of our tours are also budget-friendly. We try to regulate prices for diving and fishing, so we can offer activities you wouldn’t be able to get elsewhere. When it comes to seafood, we utilise the environment around us, such as conch, grilled fish, and BBQ shellfish. There are all different types of cuisines and cultural dishes people can try.
One of our biggest events is the Caye Caulker Lobster Fest in late July, where you can find all types of lobster dishes and experience the culture of the island. Caye Caulker is one of the first fishing villages of Belize’s islands, and lobster season is when we commence this celebration. Every year people come from all over the world to experience this three-day fest.
TY: Belize has a range of different cultures, and people keep them alive with various types of food. You can get food from the Garifunas, Mayans, Mestizos, and so many more. On the island, there’s not just one type of food shared with the community, and it’s the same with music. People try to keep their culture alive by practising and sharing it. One of the best dishes to try apart from seafood dishes is our Belizean rice and beans and stew chicken, especially from Martinez Take Out.
Are there any sustainable tourism initiatives to protect the landscape and surrounding waters of Caye Caulker?
TY: Directly in front of the island, there has been a reserve for 27 years now, which doesn’t allow fishing, called the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve that comprises the Shark and Ray Alley, Coral Gardens and the Channel.
There is also the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve, the Fisheries Department, and people who secure the area to prevent illegal fishing or lobster and conch diving; they’ve designated several sites for fishermen to use elsewhere.
Are there any trends that are transforming the tourism industry in Caye Caulker?
TY: More people are coming to the island to get the full cultural experience of the community.
They are taking videos of their time on the island and posting on social media, encouraging people to come here because you get a little bit of everything – chilling on the beach, watching the sunset, bike riding, bird watching, enjoying music, and having fun with people on the island. That is something a lot of hotels encourage – tag us in your TikToks!
The business communities also work together to get people to the island. We used to have a coconut festival and conch festival, which we want to bring back to reach both local and foreign travellers, especially during October, which is typically our slow season and conch season begins.
We want to promote it and get people excited about coming out for the conch festival and trying all the different soups, fritters, ceviche, and unique dishes.
What are the challenges that the tourism industry in Caye Caulker is currently facing?
TY: When it comes to tourism, it’s more about the local utilities. The island is small and still developing, so the electrical and water companies are trying hard to keep up with the growth. The utility companies have managed to upgrade and expand both of their systems.
We have also added a new water system with a bigger capacity. For our electricity, we have expanded, and we will be placed on the grid in 2026. People have started to look into other options to be able to compensate for such events.
Are you optimistic about the future of the tourism industry in Caye Caulker?
TY: Definitely. I see groups starting their own gardens to grow vegetables on the island, and composting is something growing in popularity right now. We’re trying to promote recycling and have a lot of businesses participating and avoiding purchasing plastics to prevent them from ending up in the water.
“When we speak to tourists, they always say that the ‘go slow’ motto is prevalent. They don’t feel rushed, and it’s a very unique destination because we still have sandy streets with so little traffic that you can stroll through the middle of the street” – Elizabeth Usher, Councillor, Caye Caulker City Council
OUTLOOK RECOMMENDS
Eat:
FOR THE MOST POPULAR GATHERING HOLE ON THE ISLAND…
A sunny place for shady people, The Lazy Lizard Bar and Grill is arguably the island’s most popular hub for food, drink, relaxation, and endless lounging on the beach. Built alongside The Split over 25 years ago, the bar beckons both visitors and locals alike to enjoy sun-drenched activities whilst sipping cocktails and sampling freshly caught seafood as the pulse of island life flows through the air.
FOR SMOOTHIES, DOUGHNUTS, AND COLOURFUL HAMMOCKS…
More than just a restaurant, Ice and Beans is a Caye Caulker institution. This beachfront café is not only one of the most well-established restaurants on the island, but it also consistently remains one of the busiest. Offering build-your-own smoothies and freshly fried mini-doughnuts, Ice and Beans is also famous for its outdoor dining area, complete with hammocks, beach lounges, and ocean views that extend beyond the horizon.
Do:
FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SUPPORT A GOOD CAUSE…
Whilst volunteering may not be on everybody’s to-do list during their holiday, taking time to support local causes and make a difference, no matter how small, should not be overlooked. The Caye Caulker Animal Shelter – an entirely not-for-profit, no-kill shelter – takes care of all the cats and dogs across the island. Here, you can take a few hours out of your day to spend cuddling the animals and even take a shelter dog for a walk around the island.
FOR AN EXHILARATING UNDERWATER ADVENTURE…
Glide along with the stingrays, nurse sharks, and even manatees with the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve Full Day Snorkeling and Marine Life Tour. This fun, eco-friendly way to explore the coral reefs allows you to experience the aquatic world in a whole new light. The tour provides you with equipment, a fresh lunch, and even underwater GoPro photos to forever capture the memories.
Sleep:
FOR BUDGET ACCOMMODATION THAT STILL FEELS DELUXE…
With consistently high ratings, an unbeatable location, and great prices, Sophie’s Guest Rooms is the place to stay during your visit to Caye Caulker. Located only a few minutes from The Split, this accommodation consists of only five rooms and is in constant high demand. Don’t miss watching the stunning sunset views from your room or the private lounge chairs on the adjoining beach.
FOR A MODERN AND LUXURIOUS GARDEN COTTAGE STAY…
As the most modern and opulent accommodation on the island, Weezie’s Oceanfront Hotel and Garden Cottages is the epitome of lush, showcasing two pools, a beachfront dock, and five self-contained garden cottages. This oceanfront hotel also offers full access to amenities, including snorkel gear, paddleboards, and kayaks, making it the perfect destination for honeymooners and those seeking a special getaway.
BELIZE BARRIER REEF IN FOCUS
So expansive and mesmerising that it is only one of two living organisms big enough to see from space, the Belize Barrier Reef is more than just an underwater destination; it is an unparalleled aquatic world of pure magic and inspiration.
Consistently ranked as one of the top places to snorkel and scuba dive in the world, the reef is a massive 306 km long and comprises everything from offshore atolls, hundreds of sand cays, and mangrove forests to coastal lagoons, estuaries, and countless underwater caves.
The aquatic canyons are lined with vibrant corals, so colourful that it seems as if you are viewing the world through infinite stained glass. Once you’ve donned your swimsuit, defogged your goggles, and applied your reef-safe sunscreen, be prepared to be stunned by the diversity of marine life swimming just below the surface.
The Belize Barrier Reef’s underwater vistas are a significant habitat for boundless species. In one glance, you can spot the dotted eagle rays soaring beneath your flippers, octopus changing patterns to blend into the craggly rocks, Parrotfish grinning at you with their buck-toothed smiles, moray eels slinking back into their shadowy lodgings, ruby red lobsters waving hello with their spindly antennas, and so much more.
A favourite sight for many is the lumbering, captivatingly plump cow of the sea – the West Indian Manatee. Bask in the tranquil experience of watching these graceful blobs cruise along as they leisurely munch on seagrass for up to eight hours a day – a dream situation for many.
Having been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996 due to its immense ecological importance and status as the largest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere, the Belize Barrier Reef is a crucial natural asset to not just the surrounding land and waters, but to the entire planet.
It is a hotspot for marine animal spawning and protects the coastline from the damaging effects of wave action, tropical storms, and hurricanes. This significance has led Belize to completely ban bottom trawling and offshore oil drilling within 1 km of the reef.
Whilst climate change is still impacting the reef’s waters, these early initiatives have allowed the aquatic environment to be uniquely crystal clear, warm, and teeming with life. Don’t miss out on the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the bewitching and ethereal beauty of the Belize Barrier Reef.
LANDMARK ATTRACTIONS
Great Blue Hole
Listed at the number one spot on the Discovery Channel’s 2012 list of ‘The 10 Most Amazing Places on Earth’, the Great Blue Hole is truly one of nature’s greatest wonders. The name aptly describes what you can expect to find, as this giant submarine sinkhole off the coast of Belize is 318 metres (m) across and 124 m deep, making it one of the largest on Earth. One of the top scuba diving sites in the world and popular to fly over for an unparalleled aerial view, the Great Blue Hole is a mesmerising environment to explore.
Shark Ray Alley
Splash your way into an underwater world teeming with soaring stingrays, timid nurse sharks, and lounging sea turtles at Shark Ray Alley. Once a location where local fishermen would clean their catches, this protected zone is now known as one of the most popular and jaw-dropping snorkelling locations near the island. Book an aquatic tour today to experience the bubbling underwater life and explore a world unlike any other.
Tarpon View Stop
Known for its conservation efforts in protecting this beautiful and gargantuan species, the tarpon view spot is an unmissable top on your Caye Caulker trip. Here, you have the incredible opportunity to feed the tarpon and witness firsthand their spectacularly elegant jumps into the air. On a clear, beautiful day, you can see the opening of the largest underwater cave system in the world whilst watching the tarpons and other marine critters swim by.
GETTING THERE AND AROUND
With the island located northeast of Belize, there are two ways to arrive at Caye Caulker: by water or by air.
The most common mode of transport is utilising the ferry services that run daily between the island and the mainland. There are two companies – the San Pedro Belize Express and Caribbean Sprinter – both of which take between 45 minutes to an hour to reach either destination.
If you are looking for a more private trip along the water, booking a water taxi is the right option for you. Catch a ride with either San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi or Caribbean Sprinters Belize.
Flying from Belize City is also a great choice, as it takes only 10 to 15 minutes by plane and there are multiple departures daily. The primary domestic airlines that take you to the Caye Caulker Airport (CUK) are Maya Island Air and Tropic Air Belize.
Once arrived, water taxis offer pre-booked shuttles to and from the airport to the pier, allowing you to relax and take a deep breath of the warm, salty breeze after a long day of travel.
Once on Caye Caulker, the motto of ‘go slow’ really comes into effect, as there are no cars on the island and roads are entirely made of sand. This allows visitors to embrace all things relaxed and rejuvenating. Rent a bike for a day and venture around the island, hop on a golf cart and whizz by as the sound of music fills the air, buckle on a life vest and explore the surrounding waters, nooks, and crannies via kayak.
Or best yet, slip on your sandals and take a leisurely stroll through the colourful streets, stopping along the way to make new friends, watch the manatees drift by, and listen to the ceaseless waves crashing along the shore.
No matter how you choose to get around the island, an oasis of tranquillity awaits.
